only_me
Well-Known Member
So a double report this week!
First off, Armagh county show on Saturday, which is my local show
it is set in beautiful parklands, and the deer were in the field opposite
I entered in the Riding horse, the Style and appearance and the open working hunter.
Merlin settled really well, much better than anticipated so I just walked him around when I arrived to let him soak in the atmosphere. There was no hint of him bucking, although he found the Shetlands tied to the wire fence (
) very scary
first time we had to get a lead past, and then he realised that they wernt so scary, although he wasnt 100% sure of the stallion shetty
honestly, merlin is so quirky he makes me laugh! He just has such a good sense of humour!
The riding class he just wasnt going forwards enough, he backs off the curb unfortunately, but he went sweetly enough to finish 3rd, so very happy
plus, the donkey derby was in the ring next door which provided lots of entertainment!
The style and appearance was disappointing, as last year it was like an equitation class, but this year was judged as a tack and turnout comp, so came 5th (dirty white socks!) but happy enough, as I knew we were not the cleanest!
Then the workers huge class with app. 40 in it!!, it was a nice enough course, was very flowing which I loved, I was able to get a lovely rhythm going and he backed off one fence I think because it was heading into the crowds, but I should have been ready for it but I wasnt, ho hum! Jumped a very nice clear round, and the last fence was a fallen log (decent enough size!) which he flew over
although I would have been very annoyed if he had backed off that one tbh, as he is an eventer after all!
Then straight into judge ride (odd format this year) he didnt give the best of rides, but he trotted up sweetly enough. So happy to finish 6th, the top 4 were horses that do just working hunter so cant really ask for more against the pros! Delighted to also qualify for the Show of the North (working hunter championship here) which I did last year remember the big bullfinch etc? so happy day
My dad is not a great photographer, but at least these ones arent blured
He has such a narrow head in this photo! Dont you think?
Just because he is such a donkey
although you can very clearly see his heart!
Today I headed off to a fun 2 phase type thing, called the midway challenge. I saw Fiona but im not sure she saw me! Oh and her were looking very serious
I entered in the 3f3, the showjumping was in a big spooky arena, and merlin loved it!
he just got going into a forward going canter, so I let him bowl on as it was all about fun for him today, and he loved it
so hopefully this will help his confidence, as he acts as such a cool dude but he does worry internally
so a nice clear, although he wasnt so sure about going between the white boards to go straight into the xc
The xc was longer than I expected, but I was able to get him going and he jumped all very nicely so double clear, and chipped in at the fence the photographer was at
he flew the sunken road and met it perfectly, and the step up he made mincemeat of, so me very happy
he finished barely sweating, so I know now where I am on fitness levels, just need to work on my lower leg which keeps slipping back.
I cant remember the last time I had this much fun at an event, I usually put myself under soo much pressure to do well but today I was smiling the whole way round
Merlin is too good to me sometimes, and I need to remember this eventing is supposed to be fun! I dont think I deserve him he tries his heart out for me and for the first time in ages he himself was having soo much fun, especially in the showjumping where he took control
so I think me not being pressurised = him not worrying = happy horse!
Thanks for reading, piccys will be added when they are on website
First off, Armagh county show on Saturday, which is my local show
I entered in the Riding horse, the Style and appearance and the open working hunter.
Merlin settled really well, much better than anticipated so I just walked him around when I arrived to let him soak in the atmosphere. There was no hint of him bucking, although he found the Shetlands tied to the wire fence (
The riding class he just wasnt going forwards enough, he backs off the curb unfortunately, but he went sweetly enough to finish 3rd, so very happy
The style and appearance was disappointing, as last year it was like an equitation class, but this year was judged as a tack and turnout comp, so came 5th (dirty white socks!) but happy enough, as I knew we were not the cleanest!
Then the workers huge class with app. 40 in it!!, it was a nice enough course, was very flowing which I loved, I was able to get a lovely rhythm going and he backed off one fence I think because it was heading into the crowds, but I should have been ready for it but I wasnt, ho hum! Jumped a very nice clear round, and the last fence was a fallen log (decent enough size!) which he flew over
Then straight into judge ride (odd format this year) he didnt give the best of rides, but he trotted up sweetly enough. So happy to finish 6th, the top 4 were horses that do just working hunter so cant really ask for more against the pros! Delighted to also qualify for the Show of the North (working hunter championship here) which I did last year remember the big bullfinch etc? so happy day
My dad is not a great photographer, but at least these ones arent blured
He has such a narrow head in this photo! Dont you think?
Just because he is such a donkey
Today I headed off to a fun 2 phase type thing, called the midway challenge. I saw Fiona but im not sure she saw me! Oh and her were looking very serious
I entered in the 3f3, the showjumping was in a big spooky arena, and merlin loved it!
The xc was longer than I expected, but I was able to get him going and he jumped all very nicely so double clear, and chipped in at the fence the photographer was at
I cant remember the last time I had this much fun at an event, I usually put myself under soo much pressure to do well but today I was smiling the whole way round
Thanks for reading, piccys will be added when they are on website
